Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, March 165, 2021, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.
Monday's SW Arkansas COVID-19 Active Case Numbers and Vaccines
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 33
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 21
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 7
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 3
AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | The Benefit of Task Forces
LITTLE ROCK – The historic flood of 2019 exposed the weakness of Arkansas’s levee system, an issue that required immediate and focused attention, so I created the Arkansas Levee Task Force.
Today, I’d like to talk about some of the task forces that I have relied on during my administration. My model comes from Governor Winthrop Rockefeller’s successful use of task forces as he reshaped Arkansas during his two terms as governor in the 1960s.
Arkansas state government is composed of dozens of departments, divisions, agencies, boards, and commissions that handle the day-to-day matters of governing. When an unexpected issue arises – such as our crumbling levees – we have to look for solutions quickly before the problem grows worse. I’m not an expert on every challenge, and state agencies may not always have the time or personnel to undertake the intense and thorough study that the unexpected issues demand. When I create a task force, I seek a range of experts and ask the members to study the problem and report back with recommendations.
When I recognized the need for the levee task force, I appointed 27 members including representatives from the departments of Public Safety, Agriculture, Emergency Management, and Finance and Administration; as well as the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission and Arkansas Waterways Commission. The task force’s report included seventeen recommendations that will ensure we shore up our levees as well as our management and oversight. In fact, The Arkansas General Assembly is considering legislation recommended by the task force.
In 2018, two weeks after the horrific shooting of students at the high school in Parkland, Florida, I created another task force called the Arkansas School Safety Commission. My appointees included the director of the Criminal Justice Institute, a retired FBI agent, a school safety manager, a superintendent, several educators, a counselor, and a parent. There were many issues for them to consider, but their bottom-line mission was to find ways to ensure that our young people return home from school every day. Many of their recommendations have been adopted by local school districts and have led to changes that keep our school children safer.
The task force whose work led to a great deal of national recognition was the Arkansas Computer Science Task Force. The work by the members of that task force led to changes and to the recognition of Arkansas as a national leader in computer science education.
Other task forces I have created include ones to recommend ways to reduce red tape, guide economic recovery as we navigate COVID-19, and chart the next path in computer science and cybersecurity education. After last summer’s nationwide unrest, I created the Task Force to Advance the State of Law Enforcement in Arkansas, and those recommendations were signed into law this last week.
Most recently, after our historic winter storm in February, I created the Energy Resources Planning Task Force to review the adequacy of our supply of critical energy sources during extreme weather events.
And so you can see the way task forces work. They allow us to move quickly and to utilize the best minds in Arkansas to solve specific problems. The people I have appointed serve on a voluntary basis, donating hours and energy, sometimes traveling around the state in pursuit of solutions. The quality of life in Arkansas is richer, our educational system is stronger, and we are safer because of their willingness to volunteer their time for our benefit.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
More than 320 bills have been signed into law during the 2021 Regular Session. There are several hundred bills still making their way through the legislative process.
This week, House members voted on legislation impacting education, healthcare, voting, and much more.
The following bills passed the House during the 9th week of the session:
HB1633-This bill requires a city of first class to establish a city police department and provide the department with proper resources.
HB1416-This bill is intended to encourage home-based entrepreneurship. It outlines what restrictions local governments can and cannot place on home-based businesses.
HB1517-This bill states that the Secretary of State shall prepare and administer electronic voter registration application forms.
HB1349-This bill creates the Every Arkansan Retirement Plan Opportunity Act. It outlines a voluntary plan for employers without a current retirement plan offered to their employees.
HB1570-This bill prohibits healthcare professionals from providing gender transition procedures to any individual under 18 years of age.
HB1510-This bill requires a school district board of directors and local law enforcement agencies to adopt a memorandum of understanding governing school resource officers. It also requires school resource officers to complete specialized training.
HB1429-This bill reduces the waiting period from after a parent or guardian withdraws their child from a school district to enroll to begin home-school. The waiting period is currently 14 days. This bill reduces it to 5 school days.
HB1522-This bill states that no person applying to be placed on a ballot for any public office shall knowingly provide false information with reference to his or her qualifications. It creates a misdemeanor offense for providing false statements by a candidate.
HB1323-This bill allows for the prosecution to display an in-life photograph of a homicide victim to the judge or jury.
HB1512-This bill eliminates no-good-cause exemptions to the work requirement for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs. The bill does provide exemptions for an individual currently in foster care or residing in a domestic violence shelter.
HB1198-This bill allows a certified registered nurse anesthetist to operate in consultation with, but not necessarily in the presence of, a licensed physician.
HB1258-This bill authorizes full independent practice authority for certified nurse practitioners who meet specific requirements. Currently, nurse practitioners have to practice in a collaborative agreement with physicians.
SB155-This bill creates “Lila’s Law,” which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities regarding access to organ transplantation.
HB1069-This bill authorizes pharmacists to provide access to oral contraceptives. The bill also includes a provision for pharmacists to refer a patient to a primary care or women’s health provider if she has not been seen by a physician in the previous six months.
HB1506-This bill classifies the use of a hoax bomb as a Class C felony. A hoax bomb is defined as a device designed to look like an explosive or incendiary device.
SB118-This bill creates the Arkansas Public Service Internship Program.
We will continue to update you throughout the session.
All House floor and committee meetings are live-streamed. The links to the video and agendas can be found at www.arkansashouse.org.
Daily Legislative Update From State Representative Deann Vaught:
The House wrapped up the 9th week of the 2021 Regular Session.
Members passed the following bills Thursday afternoon:
HB1633-This bill requires a city of first class to establish a city police department and provide the department with proper resources.
SB383-This bill states that the maximum campaign contribution level shall be established by rule of the Arkansas Ethics Commission.
SB127-This bill allows libraries to accept a debit card or credit card.
HB1416-This bill is intended to encourage home-based entrepreneurship. It outlines what restrictions local governments can and cannot place on home-based businesses.
SB118-This bill creates the Arkansas Public Service Internship Program. It will utilize graduate students and undergraduate students to perform duties for the cabinet-level departments of the state through which the students can obtain practical experience in state government responsibilities and operations.
The House will convene on Monday at 1 pm.
Soil Sampling at the County Extension Service
This is the time of year that the Extension Service receives lots of soil samples. Here are the soil sampling instructions to follow:
SOIL SAMPLING INSTRUCTIONS
We need a FULL pint of soil which equals to a sandwich size Ziploc bag filled COMPLETELY FULL.
The soil needs to be completely dry. The soil will not dry completely in plastic bags. You can spread it out thin on a newspaper in your house for a day or two and it should be dry enough.
Take several samples from the area and mix them together to get the pint of soil.
Recommended depth for samples:
4 inches for forages, lawns, and pastures
6 inches for small fruits and gardens
12 inches for trees
Please do not include any rocks, grass, or sticks in the sample.
There is no charge for the analysis. The taxes on your fertilize in Arkansas pays for it.
If you have any questions about soil sampling, you may call Dana at the Extension office at (870) 584-3013.
My email address has changed to dstringfellow@uada.edu
Aerial Photos of Grounds of New Sevier County Medical Center (Scroll Through 8 Photos)
House Committee Advances "Moral Grounds," Votes On Bills Related To Health Emergency
An amended version of a bill that would allow healthcare providers to refuse to perform certain services on an objection of "moral grounds" advanced a House committee on Thursday.
The House Public Health, Welfare and Labor committee passed by a voice vote, Senate Bill 289, which allows those in the medical profession to refuse performing some medical services if they have “religious, moral or ethical” objections. This would not apply to any emergency medical services.
The committee initially failed the same bill in late February. It has since been amended.
Rep. Brandt Smith, R-Jonesboro, (left) again presents Senate Bill 289 to the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee
CREDIT ARKANSAS HOUSE
Governor Commemorates One Year Since the Start of Pandemic
By KYLE KELLAMS
To mark the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Arkansas one year ago, Gov. Asa Hutchinson spoke at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff on Thursday, which is where the first known case of the virus in the state was diagnosed. The patient admitted last March, James Black, was also at the commemoration ceremony. Hutchinson thanked Arkansas healthcare workers for the work they've had to put in the last 365 days and compared the last year to the emergency and mourning the country collectively experienced in the aftermath of 9/11. The governor also remarked on the resilience of Arkansans and praised the quick development of COVID-19 vaccines.
So far, about 17 percent of the state's residents have had at least the first shot of vaccine and hospitalizations have dropped below 300 for the first time in months. To honor those who have died of COVID-19, Hutchinson said the Forestry Division of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture has donated 10,000 oak saplings, which are available at several ADA office locations around the state. Families, who have lost loved ones to the pandemic, are asked to call to arrange a pickup time for the saplings, which will be available through March 24.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/governor-commemorates-one-year-start-pandemic
Gov. Asa Hutchinson spoke at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff on March 11, 2021, which is where the first known case of the virus in the state was diagnosed one year ago.
COURTESY / GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 26
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 4
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 7
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 18
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 2
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 3
In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 340 new cases; 3,144 active cases; 378 hospitalized, which is down 23 from Wednesday; 67 on ventilators, which is down 5 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 28, for a total of 5,410; a total of 326,040 cases; 249,873 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,316; antigen tests, 1,040.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 39; Washington, 38; Pulaski, 33; Faulkner, 22; and Craighead, 17.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“As we remember the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 case in Arkansas today, we look back at the challenges we've overcome. The past year has been difficult for each of us, but the vaccine gives us hope in our fight against this virus.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:
Terry Anderson of UA Cossatot is the #NJCAAMBB DII Player of the Week
PRESS RELEASE
183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832
870-584-1172
www.cccua.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10 March 2021
CONTACT: Dustin Roberts, Director of Development
Terry Anderson of UA Cossatot is the #NJCAAMBB DII Player of the Week
Terry Anderson of UA Cossatot is the #NJCAAMBB DII Player of the Week. The 6'7" Deer Park, Texas freshman picked up two double-doubles this week, including a 40-point, 24-rebound performance. This game was the highest scoring and rebounding outing in program history.
UA Cossatot Colts Head Coach and Athletic Director, Robert Byrd praised Anderson after the NJCAA announcement saying, “This is a well-deserved award for Terry. He puts on his hard hat and works extremely hard every single day both on and off the court and I am glad that he is getting national recognition."
UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole said, "Coach Byrd is building a special basketball program at UA Cossatot and it all starts with special athletes. Terry is one of those athletes. Ever since signing to be a Colt he has just personified what it means to be a student athlete. We could not be more proud of Terry and all of our Colts teams. They are getting very good very quickly."
UA Cossatot travels to Harrison on Thursday, March 11 to face North Arkansas Community College. The Lady Colts play at 5:30 PM, with the men's game to follow. Fans can watch and listen live on ed88radio.com.
For more information on the UA Cossatot Colts, contact Head Coach and Athletic Director, Robert Byrd at 870-584-1105 or rbyrd@cccua.edu. ###
Bill That Bars Transgender Youth From Accessing Transition-Related Care Passes House Committee
A bill that would bar transgender people under the age of 18 from receiving gender transition-related care passed a House committee on Tuesday.
The House Public Health, Welfare and Labor committee by a vote of 13-4 advanced House Bill 1570, which bans any physician or healthcare professional from providing "any gender transition procedures to any individual under 18."
Procedures that are banned include hormone treatment and gender reassignment surgery. Currently, gender reassignment surgeries are not being conducted in Arkansas. The bill also allows the state’s attorney general to bring an action for compliance with the law.
Rep. Robin Lundstrum, R-Springdale, (left) presents her bill to the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee.
CREDIT ARKANSAS HOUSE
Arkansas Senate Votes To Approve Medicaid Expansion, Bill Now Goes To House
The Arkansas Senate has passed a bill that would implement a new Medicaid expansion program in place of the current Arkansas Works program.
By a vote of 26-3 with four members voting present, the Arkansas Senate passed Senate Bill 410 on Tuesday. The legislation would create the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me or ARHOME Act.
According to Talk Business and Politics, the proposed program, which was introduced in early March, keeps the current private insurance model for purchasing plans like the private option for the Arkansas Works program did.
Sen. Missy Irvin, R- Mountain View, presents her bill to the Senate.
CREDIT ARKANSAS SENATE
Arkansas Governor Signs Near-Total Abortion Ban Into Law
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed a bill into law Tuesday that would ban nearly all abortions in the state. Senate Bill 6 makes no exceptions for rape or incest, and only lists a few medical exceptions.
While abortion rights advocates are promising a legal fight, legislative backers have said they hope the case will eventually be considered by the U.S. Supreme Court and that the addition of more conservative justices in recent years will lead to an overturning of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion.
"I will sign SB6 because of overwhelming legislative support and my sincere and long-held pro-life convictions. SB6 is in contradiction of binding precedents of the U.S. Supreme Court, but it is the intent of the legislation to set the stage for the Supreme Court overturning current case law," Hutchinson said in a statement. "I would have preferred the legislation to include the exceptions for rape and incest, which has been my consistent view, and such exceptions would increase the chances for a review by the U.S. Supreme Court."
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-governor-signs-near-total-abortion-ban-law
Speaking to reporters in his office last Wednesday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson expressed reservations about the near-total abortion ban because it didn't make exceptions for rape or incest. On Tuesday, he signed the legislation into law.
CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS
Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
In its Tuesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 432 new cases; 3,461 active cases; 317 hospitalized, which is down 21 from Monday; 71 on ventilators, which is down 3 from Monday; deaths added today, 14, for a total of 5,357; a total of 325,383 cases; 249,229 recoveries; PCR tests, 2,535; antigen tests, 1,720.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 62; Benton, 47; Garland, 42; Faulkner, 28; and Pulaski, 26.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“We continue to see a decrease in active cases and hospitalizations compared to last week. Also, an additional 104,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered since last Tuesday. Our continued mitigation efforts, including vaccination, masking, and social distancing, will get us closer to the end of this pandemic.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 35
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 25
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 6
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 7
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 4
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 2
Governor Hutchinson Issues Statement on Senate Passage of SB410
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson issued the following statement on the Arkansas Senate's passage of SB410.
“Today was an important moment in this legislative session with the Senate passing the ARHOME (formerly Arkansas Works) legislation with overwhelming support. This new initiative will assure continued health care coverage for over 300,000 Arkansans with accountability measures in place to improve maternal health, drug addiction support and mental illness. I applaud Senator Missy Irvin, Representative Michelle Gray and many other legislators who spent countless hours in working with my administration to develop this plan that will now move to the House.”
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Makes Announcement Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution (03.08.21)
Coach Robert Byrd of UA Cossatot at De Queen Lions Club Meeting on Tuesday
De Queen Lions Club member, Athletic Director and UA Cossatot Head Basketball Coach, Robert Byrd, gave an update of the Colts and Lady Colts teams and the upcoming drawdown on April 2nd in Lockesburg at Tuesday’s Lions Club Meeting in De Queen.
Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas Recognized for 2 Top Degree Programs in the U.S.
PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Jase Beard
(800) 856-4908 | jasebeard@intelligent.com
Higher education resource guide releases the best public institution programs for 2021
[Seattle, Washington] – Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas has been awarded top ranking status for multiple degree programs by Intelligent.com. Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas was listed among thousands of public institutions in the nation, and the comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 2,277 accredited colleges and universities. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment.
The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment, and leading third-party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed thousands of schools with comparable programs on a scale of 0 to 100, with Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas making it to the final list for 2 Degree Programs. The methodology uses an algorithm that collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each university’s degree program. Please visit the listed sources below to access each program’s complete ranking.
Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas has been recognized for the following degree programs:
Colleges In Arkansas | 10
https://www.intelligent.com//best-colleges-in-arkansas/
Associate in Business Administration Degree Programs | 25
https://www.intelligent.com//best-associate-in-business-administration-degree-programs/
About Intelligent.com
Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/.
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Monday's COVID-19 Case Numbers from the Arkansas Department of Health
In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 133 new cases; 3,593 active cases; 338 hospitalized, which is up 3 from Sunday; 74 on ventilators, which is up 9 from Sunday; deaths added today, 24, for a total of 5,343; a total of 324,951 cases; 248,853 recoveries; PCR tests, 2,345; antigen tests, 201.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 19; Pulaski, 17; Benton, 13; Faulkner, 10; and Garland, 10.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“Today's COVID-19 report continues to show a trend in the right direction. 15 of the deaths in today's report are late reporting from either 2020 or January. With the opening of all of Phase 1-B, I hope we will see an increase in vaccine distribution this week.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 15
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 7
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 4
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 20
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 1